Issue - meetings

That the report be noted.

The Head of Adult Services introduced a report to outline the plan for the provision of training, education and work opportunities within the context of supporting recovery for service users with a mental health.  He advised that the strategy also aimed to address a gap in the area of accommodation support.  The focus of the commissioning strategy excluded dementia or dementia related illnesses.

The Head of Adult Services provided background information and referred to the key considerations as detailed in the report.  He advised that in formulating the strategy the key message was that the Mental Health Commissioning Strategy should continue to provide an approach that was community based and would further develop people’s rights to respect and have independent and fulfilled lives. 

The Chairman thanked the Head of Adult Services for presenting the report and invited Members to raise questions.

In response to a question from Councillor Hilary McGuill regarding the need for an holistic approach to families where a member had mental health issues, the Mental Health and Substance Misuse Service Manager advised that all work with individuals involved working with family members and the service worked closely with Children’s Services and linked in with the integrated family support services.

Councillor Hilary Isherwood  expressed concerns around mental illness which she felt  was on the increase.  She raised a number of concerns around substance misuse, funding, and access to transport services in rural areas to enable people with mental health issues to gain the help they require.

The Head of Adult Services advised that the Authority aimed to deliver a good level of service including early intervention strategies and referred to the work of the Drug and Alcohol Team.

In response to a question from the Chair the Cabinet Member for Social Services advised that waiting times for tier 1 and 2 mental health services met the standards set by the Welsh Government.

Councillor Veronica Gay raised a query regarding cross border services.  The Director advised that he and the Head of Adult Services would be meeting with the Director of Adult Services in Chester in January 2014 and would be willing to raise any issues with him on behalf of members.    

Councillor Hilary McGuill asked for details regarding the number on a waiting list for detox beds.  The Mental Health and Substance Misuse Service Manager agreed to provide the requested information.

The Chair referred to paragraph2.1.4 of the report and challenged the information provided which suggested there would be a decrease of 45 children with a mental health problem in 2020 compared to 2011.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.